Saint-Hilaire

Altarpiece

Built around 1630 by Guillaume Boucher, the monumental stone altarpiece follows the shape of the apse to which it backs. Its central body is flanked by double fluted Corinthian columns, the first third of which is hinged. It is flanked by two wings. Each section is crowned with a broken pediment housing a statue of Saint Hilaire, patron saint of the church, in the centre, while the sides are decorated with tableautins depicting the angel and the Virgin of the Annunciation. The statues of Saint Francis and Saint Clare on the right entablature bear witness to the patronage of the abbess of the Clare monastery in Mortagne-au-Perche from the 16th to the mid-17th century.

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Painting - The Annunciation

At the centre of the altarpiece, this painting bears witness to the troubled history of the church during the Revolutionary period. Although the depiction of the scene is in keeping with tradition, the vertical stitching visible in the centre over the entire height seems to indicate that the altarpiece was formatted to fit in. The coat of arms in the lower right is that of Charlotte du Boullot, and the presence of a widow's cord dates the painting to between 1656 and 1659. As the donor usually lived in Paris, the painting may have been executed there. Its refined workmanship, the softness of Marie's face and the virtuosity of the angel's curls and the feathers on her wings are not the work of a provincial workshop.

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Secondary altars

Placed at an angle at the entrance to the choir, these simple altarpieces with two Ionic columns, a straight entablature and a pediment with a niche date from the 18th century. The painting to the north is a Descent from the Cross made up of three fragments sewn together in an incoherent manner, which was respected during its recent restoration. The top left features two figures, including the Virgin; the top right features the coat of arms of the powerful de la Vove family against a landscape background. The lower section features the Deploration of the Dead Christ by Charles Lebrun (1619-1690). The painting in the south altarpiece depicts Saint Sebastian being cared for by Saint Irene after being riddled with arrows.

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Christ on the cross

The wooden statue of Christ dates from the 17th century. Once painted, it has unfortunately been stripped.

Enclosed benches

Fortunately preserved, the set of enclosed 19th-century benches adds to the charm of the interior.

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Saint-Samson chapel

In the cemetery stands the chapel of Saint Samson, believed to have been built in the 13th century. Rectangular in plan with a gambrel roof, it houses a painted wooden statue of Saint Samson dating from the 16th century. Originally from Wales, Saint Samson is said to have evangelised Armorica in the 6th century. How he came to be worshipped in Comblot remains a mystery. The chapel has recently been converted to display religious objects.